By Nick McClintock
SPRINGFIELD – A narrow margin of victory came Tuesday afternoon for what may be the most controversial measure out of the recently ripped-apart ‘grand-bargain’ set of bills.
The Illinois House of Representatives passed a measure that would raise the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2022. The bill passed by a slim 61-53 vote.
Immediately, both opponents and supporters of the bill came to discuss. SEIU Healthcare trumpeted to vote as the first step toward millions of Illinois residents getting one step closer to a raise.
“Senate Bill 81 represents a major advance for Illinois and is the answer to so many of the pressing questions facing our state.” said SEIU Healthcare Illinois President Greg Kelly. “On behalf of our workers, I congratulate the representatives who chose to act boldly for our future.”
Multiple outlets came out to oppose the bill, including the nations leading small business association.
Mark Grant, the state director of the Nation Federation of Independent Businesses said the bill will hurt those who lawmakers say they are trying to help.
“Small businesses will bear the brunt of the cost, and their employees will pay the price in the form of fewer jobs and fewer opportunities,” Grant said.
The bill now heads to the senate. The session is set to adjourn Wednesday at midnight.
Nick McClintock can be reached at [email protected].
